Air-Fried Roast Beef: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Cooking roast beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender, flavourful roast without the long cooking time. Air frying is best for naturally tender cuts of beef that can handle quick cooking at high heat without drying out. The air fryer's short cooking time will only bring out the flavours of higher-quality cuts, so it's important to choose the right beef grade and cut. The roast should also be brought to room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking. The air fryer should be preheated to a high temperature to sear the beef and create a crust, then the temperature should be lowered to cook the beef to your desired level of doneness.

Choosing the right cut of beef

Marbling and Fat Content:

Look for a well-marbled piece of beef with a nice outer layer of fat. Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat within the meat, which adds flavour and juiciness. A good amount of fat will help keep the roast beef moist and tender.

Tender vs. Tough Cuts:

If you're looking for a tender cut, opt for top-quality options like sirloin or ribeye. Sirloin, especially the top cut, is known for its tenderness. Ribeye is well-marbled and full of flavour and tenderness. However, these cuts can be more expensive. For a budget-friendly option, consider tougher cuts like chuck roast or bottom round, but keep in mind they require slow roasting or braising to break down the connective tissues and achieve optimal tenderness.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Consider the cooking time and temperature you plan to use. Tougher cuts with connective tissues, such as rump or bolar blade, benefit from low and slow cooking. They need longer cooking times to become tender. On the other hand, more tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye can be cooked at higher temperatures for a shorter time to achieve the perfect doneness.

Size and Serving Quantity:

Choose a cut that is proportional to the number of people you plan to serve. For example, a four-pound bottom round rump roast can provide between eight and ten servings. Ensure you have enough roast beef to satisfy your guests without excessive leftovers.

Personal Preference and Availability:

Ultimately, choosing the right cut of beef depends on your personal preference and what is available at your local butcher or supermarket. Don't be afraid to ask your butcher for recommendations if you're unsure. They can guide you towards the best options based on your desired taste, texture, and budget.

Marinating the beef

Take your beef out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes before you start cooking. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then roll the beef in a mixture of herbs, salt, and oil until it's evenly coated. You can use fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, or parsley, and either fine ground sea salt or kosher salt. Use approximately half a teaspoon of salt per pound/500g of beef.

When it comes to oil, light olive oil is a good choice, but you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or avocado oil. Make sure to get an even coating of oil on the beef, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. You may need to cook the beef in batches if you're making a large batch.

Now you're ready to start cooking your marinated roast beef in the air fryer!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it ensures even cooking and helps create a delicious crust on your roast beef. Here are some detailed instructions on preheating your air fryer for the best results:

Firstly, remove your roast beef from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to one hour before cooking. Allowing the meat to come to room temperature promotes even cooking throughout the roast. This step is essential, as cold beef will burn on the outside before the inside cooks through.

Next, preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes at the recommended temperature. Most sources recommend preheating to 400°F (200°C) for roast beef, as this temperature creates an optimal environment for roasting and helps achieve a savory crust. Check your air fryer's instruction manual for specific preheating directions, as different models may have varying preheating requirements.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the roast beef by patting it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture promotes better browning and crispiness. You can then season the beef with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Some popular herb choices include rosemary and thyme, oregano, sage, and parsley. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to create a roast that suits your taste preferences.

After preheating, place the seasoned beef roast in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is not large enough to accommodate the beef roast, you may need to cut the roast into smaller pieces or cook it in batches. Ensure there is sufficient space between the roast and the sides of the basket to allow for proper air circulation.

Finally, follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for roast beef. For a perfect crust, cook the beef at a high temperature initially, and then lower the temperature to ensure even cooking throughout. Remember to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the roast, as air fryers cook quickly, and the temperature can rise even after removing the roast from the fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for roast beef in an air fryer will depend on the size of your beef joint and your desired level of doneness. It's important to note that air fryers are very hot, so the roast's temperature will increase by about 10-15°F as it rests.

First, bring your beef to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This promotes even cooking throughout the roast. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for at least 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply turn it on for 3-5 minutes.

For a 2-3 pound roast, cook the beef at this high temperature for 10-15 minutes to create a crust and seal in the juices. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C and cook for another 30 minutes. If your roast is frozen, you may need to cook it for a longer time, about 75 minutes total.

For a perfect medium-rare roast, remove the beef when its internal temperature reaches 130-134°F/55-57°C or 5 degrees under your desired level. For a well-done roast, remove the beef when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Let the roast rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to reabsorb and the temperature to even out.

Resting and slicing the beef

Resting the beef is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, keeping it succulent and flavourful. The beef should be removed from the air fryer and placed on a cutting board or a warm platter. It should be loosely covered with foil and left to rest for at least 10 minutes, but ideally 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the beef will continue to rise slightly, so it is important to factor this into your cooking time.

While the beef is resting, you can prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with it. Some classic side dishes for roast beef include Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, braised red cabbage, creamy sprouts with bacon, and roasted butternut squash salad.

When you are ready to slice the beef, use a sharp chef's knife or carving knife. Slice the beef thinly and against the grain, which is the direction of the muscle fibres. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibres, making each bite more tender and easier to chew.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions